This interview shines a spotlight on Rebecca, an experienced mental health nurse who is originally from New Zealand embraced the adventure of travel nursing in Australia.
In this Q&A, Rebecca talks about what inspired her to take the leap into locum nursing in regional Australia, the challenges and rewards of working in rural areas, and why she believes it’s never too late to combine your profession with travel and exploration.
Q: What drew you to mental health nursing, and what keeps you passionate about it?
Rebecca: I’ve been a Registered Nurse for 28 years, starting in General Medicine before moving into Community Mental Health. My passion lies in making a real difference—whether for clients, their families, or both. Mental health nursing allows me to support people during some of their most challenging times, and that’s what keeps me motivated every day.
Q: What inspired you to take on locum work in regional or rural Australia, and how has it shaped your career?
Rebecca: My first locum contract was guided by what I call the “4 E’s”: embrace, enjoy, explore and experience. Working in regional Australia has given me the chance to broaden my skills, particularly in inpatient mental health settings under Queensland Health. It’s been an incredible opportunity to grow professionally while discovering new places.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience that shows the impact of mental health nursing in a rural community?
Rebecca: One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been supporting First Nations communities. I’ve seen first-hand the processes and resources available to Indigenous people and the positive impact these supports have. Nursing in Rockhampton has been very different from my experience back home in New Zealand, and adapting to new systems and policies was a challenge—but an important one. These frameworks exist for a reason, and they help us deliver safe, effective care.
Q: What advice would you give to mental health nurses curious about locum work but haven’t taken the leap yet?
Rebecca: If you’re considering locum work, go for it! My experience with Medacs Healthcare has been fantastic thanks to the ongoing support from my recruiters, Jade and Linda. They guided me through the onboarding process, compliance requirements, and everything in between. It was a learning curve, but their communication and encouragement made all the difference.
Age is no barrier—I’m in my early 60s, and locum nursing has given me a new lease of life. It’s not just about work; it’s about exploring Australia. During my six-week contract, I hired a car and visited Keppel Island, Emu Park, the local zoo and Yeppoon. On your days off, there’s so much to see and do.
Locum nursing offers flexibility, excellent pay and the chance to experience diverse communities. It’s an opportunity to embrace adventure while continuing to do what you love. I’ll definitely be back next year for another contract!
If you’re ready to start your own travel nursing chapter in Australia, Medacs Healthcare is here to make it easy—from job matching and interview prep to compliance and onboarding. We’ll handle the details so you can focus on your patients and the places you’ll discover.
